There is lot of debate going over two things, which are inter-related. One is about format of the world cup and other one is about whether minnows should be allowed to participate in world cup or not. The format followed during 1992 world cup at Australia and NewZealand is the best one. In that world cup 9 teams participated and played against each other in a round robin fashion. Top four teams reached the semi-finals. Then there is the problem of promoting the game of cricket that means more teams should be playing cricket. These two debates throw us with following questions:
1. How many teams should be allowed to participate in world cup? How to promote the game of cricket?
2. How to prevent match being abandoned by rain? Is reserve days needed?
3. How long the world cup should be?
4. Which format should be followed?
If we can find answers for the first two questions then next two questions can be easily answered. Let us find the answer for the first question. The conflicting factor is Competitiveness vs Globalization of the game. As of now there are 9 test-playing nations including Bangladesh, which is at a level higher than Zimbabwe and Kenya. Zimbabwe and Kenya are given status of regular one day playing nations. These 11 one-day playing nations plus the winner of Associates World Cup, totally 12 teams, can participate in the next world cup. Teams like Netherlands, Scotland, Canada, Bermuda and Ireland, which are not ready for big league, can regularly play first-class tournaments in England, Australia, West Indies and India to strengthen their cricket and can make a case for participation in future world cups.
Because of rain abandoned matches many deserving teams could not progress further in a world cup. Even though ICC reduced the minimum overs for a match to be completed to 20, reserve days are important. Srilanka, where the next world cup is scheduled, is regularly affected by rains. So there is a case for reserve days. The real problem in this world cup is having only one match played each day from Super 8 stages. Have two matches played per day, this can reduce number of days. ESPN and STAR SPORTS would not have any problems in telecasting two matches per day. If because of rain any match is extended to next day then STAR PLUS or STAR ONE can telecast that match. I hope second question and part of third question are answered.
Divide the 12 teams into three groups of four each. Top three teams from each group, totally 9, qualify for SUPER LEAUGE 9. Then top four teams reach semi-finals. I can better illustrate with an example.
EXAMPLE
Group A consists of Australia (1), Pakistan (4), England (7) and Zimbabwe (10). Group B consists of South Africa (2), Srilanka (5), West Indies (8) and Kenya (11). Group C consists of NewZealand (3), India (6), Bangladesh (9) and Associate country. Top three teams from each group will qualify for next round. If Australia, Pakistan and England qualify from Group A then they need not play each other in SUPER LEAGUE 9.
So in the group stage 18 (6*3) matches are played. In SUPER LEAGUE 9 27(36 minus 9) matches are played. Totally 48 matches are played including semi-finals and finals, which is three less compared to this world cup. If 16 teams are to be played this world cup format is the best one.
1. How many teams should be allowed to participate in world cup? How to promote the game of cricket?
2. How to prevent match being abandoned by rain? Is reserve days needed?
3. How long the world cup should be?
4. Which format should be followed?
If we can find answers for the first two questions then next two questions can be easily answered. Let us find the answer for the first question. The conflicting factor is Competitiveness vs Globalization of the game. As of now there are 9 test-playing nations including Bangladesh, which is at a level higher than Zimbabwe and Kenya. Zimbabwe and Kenya are given status of regular one day playing nations. These 11 one-day playing nations plus the winner of Associates World Cup, totally 12 teams, can participate in the next world cup. Teams like Netherlands, Scotland, Canada, Bermuda and Ireland, which are not ready for big league, can regularly play first-class tournaments in England, Australia, West Indies and India to strengthen their cricket and can make a case for participation in future world cups.
Because of rain abandoned matches many deserving teams could not progress further in a world cup. Even though ICC reduced the minimum overs for a match to be completed to 20, reserve days are important. Srilanka, where the next world cup is scheduled, is regularly affected by rains. So there is a case for reserve days. The real problem in this world cup is having only one match played each day from Super 8 stages. Have two matches played per day, this can reduce number of days. ESPN and STAR SPORTS would not have any problems in telecasting two matches per day. If because of rain any match is extended to next day then STAR PLUS or STAR ONE can telecast that match. I hope second question and part of third question are answered.
Divide the 12 teams into three groups of four each. Top three teams from each group, totally 9, qualify for SUPER LEAUGE 9. Then top four teams reach semi-finals. I can better illustrate with an example.
EXAMPLE
Group A consists of Australia (1), Pakistan (4), England (7) and Zimbabwe (10). Group B consists of South Africa (2), Srilanka (5), West Indies (8) and Kenya (11). Group C consists of NewZealand (3), India (6), Bangladesh (9) and Associate country. Top three teams from each group will qualify for next round. If Australia, Pakistan and England qualify from Group A then they need not play each other in SUPER LEAGUE 9.
So in the group stage 18 (6*3) matches are played. In SUPER LEAGUE 9 27(36 minus 9) matches are played. Totally 48 matches are played including semi-finals and finals, which is three less compared to this world cup. If 16 teams are to be played this world cup format is the best one.
RelatedArticle: http://www.thirdslip.com/2007/WC_Article10.shtm
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